6th Regional TB Symposium, Minsk, 1-2 March 2017

Tuberculosis in 2017: Searching for new solutions in the face of new challenges

On behalf of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Belarus, I am glad to welcome the participants of the International Symposium dedicated to the topical issues of the treatment of tuberculosis. We are very pleased that this scientific forum brings together leading experts and specialists in the field of TB control from different countries of the world. The symposium will allow international and local experts, TB specialists and stakeholders to share experiences and discuss pressing issues of tuberculosis control. This year, discussions will revolve around methods to improve treatment outcomes through the use of a patient-centered approach and providing access to new treatment regimens.

Innovations in the field of treatment of tuberculosis always resonate in the TB service of the republic. Following WHO recommendations on the use of new TB drugs, changes in national guidelines for the treatment of resistant forms of tuberculosis have been introduced.

Simultaneously with the introduction of new TB drugs and diagnostics the Ministry of Health updated its approach to providing medical care to TB patients. Currently video controlled treatment of tuberculosis is introduced in the republic. A pilot project to change the model of financing of TB control activities is being implemented.

We hope that the discussions that take place during these two days are fruitful and contribute to further cooperation in order to combat tuberculosis in the region.

Valery Malashko Minister of Health of the Republic of Belarus

Oh behalf of Médecins Sans Frontières, I would like to welcome you to the Sixth Regional Tuberculosis Symposium. This symposium is organized in collaboration with the Belarus Ministry of Health, and provides a forum for regional TB partners and stakeholders to exchange ideas and gather information about activities and projects being implemented in different countries.

Ultimately we are all working towards improved access, treatment and better patient care for those suffering from tuberculosis and we are all committed to further fight against tuberculosis. Our fight against TB is not easy and it takes constant discussions and exchanges of ideas at all levels and between all partners to make significant advances. We will hear from different speakers sharing advances in new drugs, new approaches and shorter regimens, to name a few of the topics.

It is our sincere desire that this symposium will spark dialogue and discussions as we each have faced specific challenges and it is our hope that the next two days you will find opportunities not only in the sessions but also during the breaks and in the evening to share and learn from each other.

I would especially like to thank the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Belarus, Republican Scientific and Practical Centre of Pulmonology and Tuberculosis, for their support in organizing this event and the other Ministries of Health partners and stakeholders for your participation.

Rhian Gastineau Head of Mission MSF-OCA The Russian Federation and Belarus

Previous Regional TB symposia

Have a look at the documentation websites of previous MSF Regional TB symposia: